yesteryear

[ yes-ter-yeer, -yeer ]

noun

1. last year.
2. the recent years; time not long past.

adverb

1. during time not long past.

yesteryear

/ ˈjɛstəˌjɪə /

noun

1. last year or the past in general

adverb

1. during last year or the past in general

Word History and Origins

Origin of yesteryear¹

yester- + year; apparently introduced by D.G. Rossetti (1870) to render Middle French antan (Villon)

Example Sentences

The cowardice of the press to compare Trump to fascist leaders of yesteryear has helped to normalize his words and deeds.

From Salon

In classic newsrooms of yesteryears, the roaming reporter gig fell to interns or green reporters as a way of paying their dues.

From Salon

Situated right next to the original Pasadena home featured in John Carpenter’s “Halloween,” this horror media-focused art gallery by local SaraRose Orlandini feels like stepping into one of your scary movie slumber parties of yesteryear.

From Los Angeles Times

I would say in the U.S., people do sometimes look at the blues as yesteryear music, so that I think limits the demographic of people who expose themselves to it.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, that carefree boy of yesteryear is 79.

From Los Angeles Times